Swine Flu in Texas

[sara farr]

We (ACC Faculty) got an email today addressing the news that "Swine Flu", aka "North American Influenza" has made it into Texas. No deaths reported, though.

Here is an article about it in the Texas A&M paper.

http://media.www.thebatt.com/media/stor ... 8529.shtml

From ACC:

As you may be aware, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local public health officials are investigating cases of swine influenza in several states including Texas. The Austin Community College District (ACC) is part of the regional health and emergency management team that closely is monitoring the outbreak of swine flu, which also is being referred to as the North American influenza.

Flu vaccines administered in fall 2008 do not protect against the swine flu. At present, there is not a human vaccine for the illness. Therefore, there is the potential for this strain to spread quickly. Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing by infected people. ACC wishes to remind you of what you can do to stay healthy such as:

* If you get sick, stay home and limit contact with others.
* Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough. Throw tissue away.
* Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread that way.
* Avoid contact with those who are sick.

Symptoms include sudden fever, body aches and pains, coughing, and fatigue. People with swine flu also may experience a runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea. The majority of patients report mild symptoms and recover fully.

Additional information is available from the following sites:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/

Texas Department of State Health Services: http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/swineflu/default.shtm

Austin/Travis Health and Human Services Department: http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/health/disea ... ineflu.htm

ACC will continue to provide updates and communication regarding this influenza. In the meantime, thank you for all you do for ACC, and please contact me if I can provide additional assistance.